Family:
Apocynaceae
Origin:
Mediterranean & Southern Asia
Light:
Full sun, intolerant of shade
Temperature:
Warm, subtropical, can withstand light frost
Pests & Problems:
The oleander caterpillar can defoliate the tree in one to two weeks
Care:
Plant where they do not have to compete for space, they can spread 10 – 15 feet



The Oleander is an evergreen shrub and/or tree, growing up to 6m high, or are dwarf shrubs for home landscaping. The leaves are in pairs or whorls of three, are thick and leathery, dark green, long and narrow. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of each branch in colors of white, red, pink, or yellow, come in single or double blossoms, and are sometimes fragrant. It is an ornamental plant that tolerates poor soil, is drought and pollution resistant, and can be planted in compacted soil with poor drainage. Suckers allowed to grow at the base of the plant can siphon off energy and inhibit bloom. Prune immediately after the flowers fall off. Too much nitrogen fertilizer will retard
bloom. All parts of the plant are poisonous: leaves, sap, bark and flowers; use caution where small children have access. The name Oleander is a combination of the words Llarus (laurel) and rhododendron.rel) and rhododendron.